Skip the hoards of tourists and families trying to stake out a spot for fireworks along the Embarcadero and opt to ring in the new year at one of this year’s hip events instead. From all-out dance party to mellow beer pairing dinner, here’s our list of Top 10 NYE to-dos.
A Hip Hop Happening Affair
The Roots: The Philly-based rap group known for their trailblazing hip hop will headline a show at the Warfield with Orgone and DJ Harry D. Expect high-octane energy and band members parading through the audience.
A Bass Odyssey: Quite simply one of the best hip-hop acts out there today, local duo Zion I will perform live at midnight along with suburban rap queen K. Flay at Club 6IX.
Get Your Groove On
Club 1994 + Wallpaper: Consider this a one-two punch. Our favorite ‘90s flashback party teams up with local dance funk duo Wallpaper at Paradise Lounge for what will likely be the coolest NYE party in town.
Disco 2010 with Glass Candy: These cool kids of electro pop guarantee an adrenaline-jacked dance party at the Rickshaw Stop. Bring your dancing shoes and expect to break a sweat.
Sea of Dreams: If you’re looking for a large venue, big to-do NYE event, Sea of Dreams is your ticket. Held at the Concourse Exhibition Center this year, the mixed-bag lineup includes Ozomatli, Bassnectar, The Glitch Mob and more.
Feeling Swanky
Epic Voyage: Combining two of the city’s hottest waterfront venues, Epic Roasthouse and Waterbar, this Vintage 415 party presents a prime location for firework gazing—minus the cold and crowds. This is the place to see and be seen.
New Year’s Eve at the Old Mint: It’s not often that SF’s historic Old Mint Building opens to the public, so we say seize this opportunity to don your very best at this stately affair—complete with a midnight Veuve Clicquot toast and plentiful Godiva goodies.
Forget the Party
Quintessential Chaplin: Consider this your perfect party alternative. Grace Cathedral is hosting a quiet evening of classic silent film. Watch three Charlie Chaplin shorts (The Cure, The Immigrant, The Adventurer), accompanied by music from famed NY organist Dorothy Papadakos, followed by an intimate midnight champagne toast at home.
Beer and Food Pairing Dinner at Monk’s Kettle: Eat, drink and be merry. Indulge in a five-course beer pairing dinner featuring three world-class beers of Belgium's Brouwerij Bosteels brewery and two beers of the Koningshoeven Dutch Trappist brewery. Your brews will be matched with lobster canapé, Dungeness crab, pumpkin soup, winter stew with rabbit and vegetables and a housemade marble cheesecake.
Comedy Countdown: Think standup on steroids. The 14th annual Comedy Countdown at the Palace of Fine Arts includes comedians Greg Behrendt, Doug Benson, Maria Bamford, Todd Barry, Amy Schumer and Chris Porter. Or, choose from a slew of other comedy events including Not Your Normal NYE, Greg Proops at Punchline, Craig Robinson at Cobb’s and Cedric the Entertainer at the Paramount.
